AUV Sidescan Sonar Data from Caswell Sub-basin Marine Survey

Geoscience Australia collected 71 line km of high and low frequency sidescan sonar data using an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) during a 2014 marine survey. The survey aimed to assess the CO2 storage potential of the north-eastern Browse Basin by identifying indicators of fluid seepage. Data was collected using an Edgetech FS system operating at 120/410 kHz frequencies.

Use Cases

• Characterizing seabed texture and features based on sidescan sonar backscatter data.
• Identifying potential fluid seepage pathways based on high-resolution sonar imagery.
• Supporting geological models for CO2 storage site assessment based on shallow subsurface and seabed data.

Strengths

• 71 line km of sidescan sonar data provides substantial spatial coverage.
• Data includes both high (390-430 kHz) and low (98-111 kHz) frequency sonar for multi-resolution analysis.
• Survey was conducted by Geoscience Australia with partners NIWA and Fugro, suggesting institutional rigor.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count and total file size are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Data freshness should be verified; last metadata update was 2026-06-23.

Provenance

Source

Geoscience Australia (GA), National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research Ltd. (NIWA), Fugro Survey Pty Ltd.

Collection Method

Collected via an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) equipped with an Edgetech FS sidescan sonar system.

Time Range

Survey conducted between 9 October and 9 November 2014.

Freshness

Survey conducted in 2014; metadata last updated 2026-06-23.

Geography

Caswell Sub-basin, north-eastern Browse Basin, Australia.